Milton Zaagman

Milton Zaagman (March 28, 1926 – February 3, 2012) was a Republican member of the Michigan Senate from 1963 through 1974 who was its majority leader in his final year.

Milton Zaagman
6th Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office
1974–1974
Preceded byRobert VanderLaan
Succeeded byWilliam B. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Member of the Michigan Senate
In office
January 1, 1963 – December 31, 1974
Preceded byPerry W. Greene
Succeeded byJohn R. Otterbacher
Constituency16th district (1963–1964)
32nd district (1965–1974)
Personal details
Born(1926-03-28)March 28, 1926
Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
DiedFebruary 3, 2012(2012-02-03) (aged 85)
Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Alma materWayne State University
Calvin College
ProfessionMortician
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life

A native of Grand Rapids, Zaagman attended Calvin College and earned a degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he married Martha Haverkamp and served three terms on the Kent County board of supervisors. Zaagman was also a director of the Kent County Library.[1]

Senate career

After two unsuccessful campaigns for the state House, Zaagman won election to the Senate in 1962 and served four terms. During his tenure, the Legislature endeavored to implement the state's new constitution. Zaagman was elected president pro tempore in 1971, and majority leader in 1974. He was defeated for re-election in 1974 by John Otterbacher. That year, Zaagman had also run unsuccessfully to fill the vacancy in Congress caused by Gerald Ford's elevation to the vice presidency.[2]

Later life

When Zaagman left the Senate, he pursued a career in lobbying.[3]

Zaagman died on February 3, 2012, aged 85.[4]

References
  1. 1973-1974 Michigan Manual: Milton Zaagman
  2. The Political Graveyard: Zaagman, Milton
  3. Senate Resolution 116 (2012): A resolution offered as a memorial for Milton Zaagman, former member of the Michigan Senate
  4. The Grand Rapids Press: Milton Zaagman Obituary
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